So Caleb doesn’t want me to share about him on Facebook, I don’t get to flex when he excels in sports, but I did sneak him into a recent post with his 8th-grade picture-comparing it with his brother’s last school picture.
But I want to write about him- cuz he’s just that cool. Let me tell you about him:
Caleb is an athlete, a good friend, a good student (school comes pretty easy for him), he’s in band, and he’s a good kid- besides an arguing nature (that I believe came from me). Caleb asked Jesus into his heart when we were receiving communion one Sunday- he would have been around 7/8 years old. He wanted to know why we were taking the bread and the cup. I was able to explain to him right then about what Jesus did for us, and how we do this to remember. I asked him if he wanted to ask Jesus into his heart and he said yes- we prayed together right then. Now, when we have communion, I lean over and remind him- asking him if he remembers. He does. While Caleb is not as expressive vocally about his relationship with Jesus as Tripp was, he desires this.
Caleb is part of FCA this year, and in a meeting last night, they were studying James. On the way home Caleb said that Tripp was a doer. (not just hearer of the Word). I asked him to clarify that. Caleb: “He told everyone about Jesus” I reminded Caleb that just because I don’t write about him (because he didn’t want me to- I said I just store those things in my heart) that he is a doer too- just in a different way than Tripp. He is kind, he’s not really selfish, or spoiled (thank goodness) and he thinks of others. Much of what Tripp did was just love people, and then share why he could put a smile on his face through his journey- Jesus. Caleb desires to be more of a doer though he said, and my heart swelled- reminding him that in order to be a doer, you have to learn to be like Jesus- to study Him- so we will do that together.
This past year, Caleb re-read his Derek Jeter books, and this time he wanted a contract. So we wrote a contract similar to Derek’s when he was a kid. Caleb signed it, and when he veers from it, we can remind him that it ‘doesn’t align with his contact’. So much easier than, ‘Because I said so!’ Bedtime isn’t consistent, but that’s pretty much to be blamed on the World Series being on TV. He also has basketball practice in the morning, so it’s on him if he’s tired the next day!
First Day of Snow Fun.
Speaking of basketball practice in the morning, he started getting ready two weeks before basketball started, teaching himself how to get up with an alarm. So proud of him! (here’s my flex- his coach said he has talent and that he should keep playing basketball) In a conversation on the way back to our house after basketball practice so he could shower, I was telling him where I had to be that day. I had the opportunity to speak at the local Christian school. He asked some questions like, “Do they have math there” to which I rolled my eyes and said “Yes, of course they have math there- the only difference is that they have Bible class” Caleb: “I want Bible Class!” I reminded him that he has FCA and can study his Bible anytime he wants to.
Caleb loves to worship. He loves singing at events like Middle School Retreat, surrounded by his friends, praising God. He likes to sing in church as well, and his voice is just starting to come back to being in tune, it’s been a while 😊… We often hear him singing with the radio and although the movies I pick often make him tear up (he and Dad often complain of this), he loves to watch edifying/fulfilling movies, such as The Chosen and the Wingfeather Series. Caleb understands what he reads and studies in the Bible, and he’s able to connect it to his faith, which shows that his belief in Jesus is real! He has to find his own way yet to study habits- how he wants to grow that faith.
Caleb doesn’t really care what people think, he’s going to be Caleb. And we love that. Caleb is unique in his noises, in his personality, and in his humor. He is probably the most random person I’ve ever met, and I’m so thankful for his funniness! He may have had a little inspiration from his friend Karson, a self-proclaimed big brother entitled to pick on Caleb. Although Caleb is annoyed often with his antics, he brings the humor out of Caleb. He’s able to make us laugh when we just don’t feel like laughing. When Tripp’s journey was heavy, Tripp just wanted to laugh and would put on funny vines often. It just comes out of Caleb naturally. It’s just up to us to choose to laugh.
Caleb is also empathic, he wants to know when something is bothering us, he reminds us that “you’re a survivor”. He has a huge heart that sometimes just needs the quiet- he is an introverted extrovert. He soaks up information and facts like nobody’s business and is a fast learner. Someday I think he’ll be an excellent sportscaster! He often prays for his friends to make good choices, he himself taking Snapchat off his phone.
I’m proud of Caleb- of who he is and who God is molding him to be. I want to encourage him with these words, “This is the Way- walk in it”.
Love you Calubbers!
Mom
Fresh today, frozen tomorrow 